Counterfeit Cosmetics Dominate Nigeria Seizures
NAFDAC says cosmetics, food and beverages account for most counterfeit seizures, highlighting growing enforcement challenges nationwide.
Counterfeit goods continue to pose a major challenge in Nigeria, with cosmetics, food and beverages making up most products seized by authorities.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has revealed that counterfeit products in the cosmetics, food and beverage sectors account for more than half of all goods confiscated across the country. The disclosure came during a briefing to mark the 2026 International Anti-Counterfeit Month, where Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director-General of NAFDAC, was represented by Dr Martins Iluyomade.
According to the agency, counterfeit cosmetics remain the most commonly seized fake products in Nigeria. Food and beverages follow closely behind, with the two categories together accounting for over 50 per cent of enforcement seizures. The agency also noted that fake medicines containing incorrect, inadequate or no active ingredients continue to feature prominently in its operations.
Adeyeye warned that those involved in the trade of counterfeit products now use increasingly advanced methods to avoid detection. She stated, “Cosmetics account for the most counterfeited products in Nigeria, followed by food and beverages, accounting for more than 50 per cent of seizures.”
She explained that fraudsters often use online ordering platforms to bring fake goods into the country. They also rely on shared cargo arrangements known as groupage systems, where several importers use the same container, making inspections more difficult. According to her, “Today, someone can sit comfortably in a shop in Nigeria, place an order online, and have counterfeit products delivered to their doorstep through logistics companies.”
The agency added that fake packaging frequently resembles genuine brands, making identification harder for consumers and regulators. To tackle the problem, NAFDAC is strengthening partnerships with the Nigeria Customs Service, tightening regulations and enhancing product verification systems. Adeyeye stressed that “This fight cannot be won by NAFDAC alone.”
The agency also commended the judiciary for speeding up prosecutions and highlighted convictions that include a 40-year prison sentence. Nigerians were urged to purchase goods from authorised outlets, verify products through authentication tools and report suspected counterfeit products.
How can consumers play a bigger role in helping authorities reduce the spread of counterfeit products in Nigeria?
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